In medicine, few journeys are as emotionally challenging as that of liver cirrhosis patients. The steady degradation of the liver, the dashed dreams of finding a treatment, and the ongoing fight to control symptoms generate an overpowering sense of hopelessness. However, amid the gloom, a ray of light appears in the shape of stem cell treatment.

The cord blood stem cells are miraculous cells that can replace dead or diseased cells and help regenerate new cells. Let’s learn how stem cell banking and therapy can revolutionize the treatment of liver cirrhosis, giving hope to individuals urgently seeking a better life.

Understanding Liver Cirrhosis

Cirrhosis is characterized by permanent liver scarring, which can be fatal. In an advanced stage, the liver may be destroyed to the point where it is replaced with scar (dead) tissue. Cirrhosis is caused by long-term liver damage caused by alcohol, viral infection (Hepatitis B and C), a toxic substance (for example, drugs, excess copper or iron in the liver), or biliary system blockage, in which the liver undergoes progressive scarring that gradually replaces all normal liver cells.

Read also: Science Underlying Stem Cell Therapy

If liver cirrhosis symptoms are not identified or treated promptly, cirrhosis develops, and it is typically too late to reverse the disease’s progression.

Symptoms and Current Treatment Options

Liver cirrhosis symptoms can range from tiredness, jaundice, and stomach discomfort to more serious problems such as ascites, hepatic encephalopathy, and liver cancer. Traditionally, therapy focuses on symptom management, avoiding future liver damage, and treating underlying causes. However, as liver cirrhosis treatment options, these therapies are frequently ineffective and do not give a permanent cure.

Potential of Stem Cell Therapy

Stem cells are unique cells that can self-renew and differentiate into many specialized cell types. They have a remarkable capacity to repair and regenerate damaged tissues, making them an appealing choice for treating liver cirrhosis. Adult stem cells, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), and cord blood stem cells are among the stem cell sources being investigated by researchers for therapeutic applications. Stem Cell Therapy helps us imagine a reality where patients are not faced with the possibility of a liver transplant as the sole option.

Cord blood stem cells are extracted and collected from the baby’s umbilical cord . These stem cells can transform into any type of cell, meaning they can develop into hepatocyte-like cells, which are the functional building blocks of the liver. They will be able to rebuild damaged liver tissue, enhance liver function, and reduce the symptoms of liver cirrhosis.

Advantages of Stem Cell Therapy for Liver Cirrhosis

Here is the list of benefits that stem cell therapy provides:

  • Stem cells uniquely rebuild damaged liver tissue, decreasing fibrosis and facilitating the restoration of healthy liver function.
  • Stem cells have immunomodulatory capabilities that can help decrease inflammation and prevent additional liver damage.
  • Stem cell treatment for liver cirrhosis is often delivered by minimally invasive techniques such as intravenous or intrahepatic injections, reducing the risks associated with surgery.
  • Stem cell treatment has the potential to provide an alternative to liver transplantation, which is a scarce and costly resource.
  • One of the benefits of stem cell treatment is that it is easily available during emergencies, unlike liver transplants, where it is essential to find a matching donor.

Current Developments in Stem Cell Treatment in India

Indian institutes are aggressively establishing cooperation with prominent worldwide partners to expedite advances in stem cell treatment in India. India has a strong regulatory system to oversee stem cell research and therapy.

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) have established standards and regulations to guarantee that stem cells are used ethically and safely. Stem cell therapy has the potential to offer possible alternatives and improved results for people with liver cirrhosis in the future. These standards promote transparency, patient safety, and the appropriate translation of scientific findings into therapeutic applications.

Trials and treatments based on stem cells yield encouraging outcomes regarding liver regeneration, improved liver function, and symptom relief from cirrhosis.

Summing up

Stem cell therapy is one of the revolutionized techniques in medicine that makes curing severe diseases effective with fewer chances of side effects. Stem cells provide hope even for life-threatening diseases like liver cirrhosis. However, stem cells are extracted once-in-a-lifetime opportunity just minutes after birth.

If you are pregnant and want to secure your child’s future in the best way possible, contact Cryoviva experts today to learn more about cord blood stem cell preservation.